This casserole has it all: tender chunks of chicken, crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce that pulls everything together. With every bite, you get a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. Just pop it in the oven and let it bake until it’s golden and bubbly. The result? A comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just a few steps, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With cheese, tater tots, and tender chicken, this dish has something for everyone.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the crispy tater tots and cheesy goodness.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
How to Make Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This recipe is so simple, you’ll have it prepped and ready to bake in minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add the Chicken and Cheese: Add the shredded or cubed chicken and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Stir well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated and the cheese is distributed throughout.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots over the top in a single layer. This will help the tater tots get perfectly crispy as they bake.
- Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. This will melt into a golden, bubbly topping that makes the casserole extra indulgent.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and the casserole is piping hot throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh, colorful garnish. Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy every delicious, creamy, crispy bite!
Helpful Tips
- Chicken Shortcuts: If you’re short on time, a rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this recipe and adds extra flavor.
- Extra Crispy Tater Tots: For an extra-crispy topping, place the casserole under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in other veggies, like peas or broccoli, for extra nutrition and color.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner a breeze on busy nights.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Casserole, Main Dish
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Notes
- Can I Make This Dairy-Free? You can substitute dairy-free cheese and sour cream for a dairy-free version, and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup as well.
- Leftovers Tip: This casserole reheats well in the oven or microwave. Just cover it to retain moisture, and enjoy within 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute diced potatoes or hash browns, but keep in mind that tater tots offer a unique, crispy texture.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, freeze it before baking, and then bake it straight from the freezer at 350°F for about 60-75 minutes, or until it’s heated through.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely. Try adding a sprinkle of bacon bits, diced bell peppers, or extra green onions for added texture and flavor.
Storage Instructions
To store any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, here are some other cozy casserole recipes to try:
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a hearty, cheesy casserole, and this Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole brings all the best flavors together in one dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to satisfy and make you feel right at home. Grab a plate, dig in, and enjoy this warm, delicious meal – it’s the perfect way to end any day.
Print
Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Description
There’s something irresistible about a warm, bubbly casserole. For many of us, casseroles like this Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole bring back memories of family gatherings, cozy evenings, and even a bit of indulgence. This dish combines simple, satisfying ingredients into a single, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a weekend get-together or just looking for an easy, family-friendly weeknight meal.
This casserole has it all: tender chunks of chicken, crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce that pulls everything together. With every bite, you get a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. Just pop it in the oven and let it bake until it’s golden and bubbly. The result? A comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add the Chicken and Cheese: Add the shredded or cubed chicken and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Stir well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated and the cheese is distributed throughout.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots over the top in a single layer. This will help the tater tots get perfectly crispy as they bake.
- Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. This will melt into a golden, bubbly topping that makes the casserole extra indulgent.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and the casserole is piping hot throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh, colorful garnish. Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy every delicious, creamy, crispy bite!
Notes
- Can I Make This Dairy-Free? You can substitute dairy-free cheese and sour cream for a dairy-free version, and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup as well.
- Leftovers Tip: This casserole reheats well in the oven or microwave. Just cover it to retain moisture, and enjoy within 3 days.